Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas couldn’t help but marvel at the lasting memory of Lionel Messi’s debut in Major League Soccer (MLS). The iconic image of Messi embracing his family after delivering a game-winning free kick and cementing a new era for the club and the league left a profound impact on the entire community.
“That was for the fans. This community is hungry,” Mas said, reflecting on the momentous occasion.
Messi’s follow-up performance against Atlanta United in the Leagues Cup further emphasized the transformative power of the right player in a team. Making his first start for Miami, Messi put on a show, scoring two goals and providing an assist, bringing his total to three goals in just two games. By halftime, Inter Miami had a commanding 3-0 lead, a first in the club’s history.
The 34-year-old superstar, who previously played for Barcelona, joined Miami recently, and his arrival has ignited excitement and anticipation among fans. In his debut match in the Leagues Cup against Mexican club Cruz Azul, Messi came off the bench and delivered a game-winning free kick in stoppage time, earning a thrilling victory in front of a fervent crowd estimated at 21,000.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Messi led the team on Tuesday’s match, scoring his first goal in the eighth minute. After receiving a pass from his former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets, he unleashed a powerful strike that hit the right post before tapping in the rebound. In the 22nd minute, Messi further extended Miami’s lead to 2-0 off a pass from Robert Taylor.
As the spotlight shone on Messi, his presence on the field also created opportunities for his teammates. Taylor capitalized on these chances, scoring again in the 44th and 53rd minutes, with Messi providing the assist for the latter goal.
With every move and touch of the ball, Messi’s influence on the game was palpable, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm and admiration. As he exited the field in the 78th minute, fans rose to their feet to give him a standing ovation, donning his iconic No. 10 jersey.
Mas expressed the sentiment shared by many, declaring, “There’s going to be a before and after Messi in football for this country.”
However, amidst the jubilation, a brief moment of disruption occurred when a fan made their way onto the field while Messi was exiting. The fan sprinted towards Miami’s bench but was quickly apprehended by security and escorted off the field.
Lionel Messi’s impact has already proven transformative for Inter Miami and MLS, and his presence has brought a new level of excitement and anticipation to the league, leaving fans eager to witness the magic he will continue to bring to the pitch.
